Albert Fase Kaleta

Albert Fase Kaleta was born on March 13, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away in Houston, Texas on December 23, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Clara Kaleta Mason and Walter Kaleta. Albert graduated from Lemont Township High School, Joliet Junior College, and earned a degree in Business and Economics from Troy State University.

Al was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War serving his country as a helicopter pilot and officer. While piloting his helicopter during an enemy attack on a U.S. base camp and receiving enemy ground fire, his valor and disregard for his own safety as his helicopter went down earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor because of his gallantry and heroism in multiple combat operations. He was selected to be Aide-de-Camp to two distinguished generals and went on to a military career of 24 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Al’s entrepreneurial spirit started as a young boy “working” in a neighborhood nursery and garden shop where he developed a love of plants and flowers and the skills necessary to landscape a beautiful yard. He won “Yard of the Month” several times, and our home’s landscaping was admired by all.

The world of business, finance and entrepreneurial endeavors always called to Al, and he finished his second career as a financial adviser and developer.

In addition to gardening, Al had a passion for flying and aviation. He loved sitting in the second seat with son Cole at the yoke and experiencing the exhilaration and pride that he had taught his son to fly an airplane.

Al was married to loving wife, Connie, for 42 years and was a devoted father to son Cole. Cole and his wife brought much joy when they made Al a grandfather to two grandsons, who loved to play, swim and go for smoothies with their Papa.

Al will be lovingly remembered by family and dear friends.

A committal service for Albert will be held Monday, January 20, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.